Episode 245 - Is Traditional Leadership Dead? Why 'Enlightened Leadership' Is the Only Way Forward

In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Matt Poepsel, author of "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work." Matt’s journey from a career in the Marine Corps to leading talent and workforce analytics in the business world gives him a unique perspective on leadership and talent development—and he’s here to share the practical lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, Elena and Matt dive into the shift from outdated, industrial-age leadership models to what Matt calls "enlightened leadership"—a mindset rooted in self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a deep commitment to truly caring for others.They explore how the future of work is demanding a fundamental shift in how we lead, especially against the backdrop of rapid technological change, remote work, and the evolving roles of HR and team leaders. Matt breaks down the importance of leaders being able to adjust, practice vulnerability, and foster trust, all while tapping into the full potential of their teams. Whether you’re an executive, an HR professional, or an aspiring leader feeling a little “hollow” with current leadership models, Matt’s fresh, compassionate approach might just be what you need. Stay tuned for a conversation packed with practical tips, thought-provoking insights, and a whole new vision for the future of leadership.Time stamps:00:00 Manager's Journey to Leadership Mastery05:06 Pandemic Midlife Crisis and Meditation09:52 "Prioritize Team Development Time"11:52 Preserving Team Energy16:28 Overcoming Leadership Fear17:25 Transparency and Vulnerability Build Trust23:27 HR Evolving into Strategic Consultants24:24 Empower HR as Strategic Partners28:36 Climbing the Purposeful Work Ladder33:40 Redefining Business Success Beyond Profit36:06 "Practical Leadership for All"38:03 Sharing Helpful Insights OnlineConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/Buy the Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3L7x4VQWebsite: http://mattpoepsel.comFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy